The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire both started on January 7, 2025, near Los Angeles, Southern California. What caused the fires is still speculative and both fires are still burning at the time of this writing. What is known is that both fires quickly became two of the worst wildfires in the state’s history in terms of lost lives and property.
Key incident facts about the Palisades Fire (from Cal Fire):
- Size: More than 23,700 acres burned
- Loss of life: At least 9 civilian fatalities
- Property damage: More than 2,100 structures destroyed; another 3,000 damaged or destroyed structures are estimated
Key incident facts about the Eaton Fire (from Cal Fire):
- Size: More than 14,100 acres burned
- Loss of life: At least 16 civilian fatalities
- Property damage: More than 4,600 structures destroyed
Do You Need Federal Assistance After a Wildfire?
California has been granted federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If your property has been destroyed or you have been displaced by the Palisades Fire or the Eaton Fire, you can click here to visit the official FEMA website to request federal assistance.
Why Did the 2025 SoCal Fires Burn So Quickly?
Unseasonably warm weather combined with powerful Santa Ana winds are believed to be the main driving factors behind the rapid and intense spread of the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. On the day that both fires started, different parts of Los Angeles were battered by strong winds, including gusts over 80 mph, which is technically as fast as an F1 tornado. For months before the fire, the entire Los Angeles Basin saw very little rain, and December was considerably warmer than prior years. As a result, the brush and vegetation in the chaparral region were dry and prone to rapid combustion.
Why Did the 2025 SoCal Fires Start?
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is still investigating the causes of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. (As mentioned, both are still burning at the time of this writing.) Still, many speculate that poorly maintained power lines owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) could be to blame. Utility lines that are downed by high winds have been the cause of countless wildfires and brushfires across California for decades, so it makes sense to suspect that a similar problem may have been the root cause of one or both these fires. Also, Cal Fire reportedly cordoned off a damaged transmitter tower near the origin of the Eaton Fire, which only fuels these speculations further.
Will People Sue SCE for the Fires?
Homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire have already filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison, accusing the utility company of negligently managing its power lines in the area. Specifically, the complaints have stated that SCE failed to de-energize its power lines even after ample warnings about high winds and strong gusts had been issued. The lawsuits are seeking compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
No lawsuits regarding the Palisades Fire have been brought to the media’s attention yet. With how many structures have been destroyed and how many people have lost their lives in the fire, it is likely that lawsuits will soon follow.
Southern California Edison has denied any liability for either wildfire, which is what it has always done when accused of causing a fire due to poor power line maintenance.
What Happens Next?
Fire brigades and crews from throughout the world – including Mexico, Canada, and others – will continue to fight both wildfires until they can be fully contained and then extinguished.
- If you live in the area, you should continue to pay attention for important evacuation warnings and announcements that might affect you; failing to follow official evacuation orders can put you and firefighters in extreme danger.
- If you want more information about the fires, you can click here for Cal Fire updates about the Palisades Fire and here for Cal Fire updates about the Eaton Fire.
- If you want to help people who have been affected or evacuated due to the Palisades or Eaton fires, dozens of charitable organizations and mutual aid groups are assisting people in the area; many people choose to donate to the Red Cross due to the organization’s reputation and recognizability.
- If you have already lost a loved one or property to the Palisades Fire or the Eaton Fire, you should consider speaking with a wildfire attorney as soon as possible.
Do you want to talk to a California wildfire attorney after losing a loved one, your home, and/or your business to the Palisades Fire or Eaton Fire? Matthews & Associates is currently investigating these fires and hearing from people in situations like yours. We are here to compassionately listen to your story and explain your legal options, which may include filing a claim or lawsuit against SCE.
We have two offices in California for client convenience. Call (888) 923-7001 now to arrange a FREE case consultation.
